Should I upgrade from a Norinco CQ-A?

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kiltmonkey

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I had gotten my R/PAL almost two years ago and I had bought from a buddy his slightly used Norinco CQ-A as a cheap "starter" rifle. He introduced me to Magpul's PMAG magazines and I was impressed with their quality that I bought other Magpul accessories -- a MBUS back-up rear sight, a CTR stock, AFG grip , and ASAP sling mount (the latter two I've yet to install). I've also bought an EOTech holographic sight.

I've been eyeing the Daniel Defense free-float quad rail so I could install the AFG grip. However, I had talked to one of the range officers who also has a Norinco CQ-A and he told me that he had problems installing his quad rail to the point he had to get a gunsmith to do it. He said that Norinco CQ-A aren't milspec. When I went down to Reliable Gun this weekend, they reiterated the same sentiment when I asked about a quad rail for my Norinco.

The clerk suggested that I should invest in an American made AR-15, such as those made by LMT, that is more mil spec. He said that the extra money spent is worth the investment, especially for resale value. They have a LMT AR-15 for $1700 and I noticed that Questar have LMT AR-15 models ranging from $1300 to $2100.

I noticed that with all the accessories I have spent as much as I have on the rifle itself (more if I pick up a quad rail). Do you think it's worth spent a bit extra on a new rifle if I'm not a regular shooter (I go down to the range about once every few months).
 
Your situation is a personal choice. If you really want the quad rail and want a rifle that works, indefinitely. Save your coin and buy a brand name AR. That being said, you could purchase a new upper that is in spec and save some coin that way. I would personally look into NEA AR15 rifles. Canadian made and reasonably(very reasonably) priced. Shoot the Norc until you save enough for the new one, or sell the Norc to help fund the new one. that's a choice only you can make. Can you live without a rifle for a while?

TDC
 
saskcop said:
Unless I intend on spending some time in Fallujah, I am just going to keep my Norinco.
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Good for you, but that doesn't help the OP. He wishes to attach high end accessories which likely won't work on his non spec rifle. Therefore he must decide upon a course of action. Pay a smith to butcher his gear, or replace it with an in spec rifle.

TDC
 
I've been lurking in the forum for a while now and haven't really encountered any big complaints from Norinco owners.

The XCR looks like an alternative (a plus is that it's Non-Restricted) but it's more expensive and even though it's modular I'm not too keen on its default stock.
 
Outcast said:
Whats to help him with...make your own decision for god sake.
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Well, the point of asking on this forum is that people here are more experienced with firearms than myself. I can read specs and such, but people's personal experience with non-Norinco AR-15 would help in my decision making, especially when there are so many different manufacturers.
 
the problem with installing a rail on a Norinco is front sight and the delta ring, Since you are thinking about going with a DD free float rail, both those items will have to come off anyways.

I always get annoyed with people tell you to buy something for the "resale value" I say F' that, buy what you want and what you want to spend, If you have been happy with your Norinco and it has been trouble free, just stick with it. What ever parts you add to it can be taken off and put on the next rifle or part it out.
 
You could use one of the multi-piece free float rails, I installed one from Midwest Industries with no issues of any kind - all I needed to do was cut the delta ring assembly off with a dremel and assemble the rail following the instructions. Wolverine sells the Midwest rail for about $200.
 
TDC said:
Good for you, but that doesn't help the OP. He wishes to attach high end accessories which likely won't work on his non spec rifle. Therefore he must decide upon a course of action. Pay a smith to butcher his gear, or replace it with an in spec rifle.
TDC
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I agree with this. Norinco are barn-spec, so things like grips, hand guards, and sometimes internals can and do require modification to work. Replacing the upper is a good first step. And while costing a bit more, a complete rifle will save a bit in the long run. I had an LMT Defender as my first AR15 and loved it.
 
I'm going to install a DD Omega FF handguard ( or attempt to) later the week if Canada post comes through.

I'll post how I make out.

Frankly I had forgotten about the trouble people were having with other rails (Magpul comes to mind now) on the Norcs. I guess all I can do is cross my fingers now. As long as it fits under the delta ring I am golden. Otherwise my no gun smith install will require more effort.
 
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kiltmonkey said:
I noticed that with all the accessories I have spent as much as I have on the rifle itself (more if I pick up a quad rail). Do you think it's worth spent a bit extra on a new rifle if I'm not a regular shooter (I go down to the range about once every few months).
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OK, first let me say that I am not a fan of the Norinco AR's. I know a TON of people will soon pile on and tell me how wonderful their Norincos are, and that's great for them, but please hold fire for a moment until I finish.

What I dislike about Norinco AR's has nothing to do with their being Chinese, nor their sometimes questionable visual appearance. None of that matters if the rifle is reliable and shoot to point of aim. What I have issue with is their seeming lower than "industry standard" QA/QC record. When you get a good Norinco, it is certainly good enough as a "go to" rifle. The guys who get these rifles are the ones who always flag wave about them. But for every 4 or 5 guys who are happy with their rifle, I see one who has issues.

By issues, I mean poor fit of upper to lower with a big gap and lots of wiggle, or casting flaws on the bolt stop, or in one case a gas key that was not through-drilled (i.e. single shot AR). The list goes on.

Now that being said, if your Norinco has proven itself functional and reliable, there is NO REASON to buy another rifle. Unless you want to take it to the states, and I assume you don't. Ar's are modular and the Norinco is fairly good for taking most aftermarket parts.

What I do recommend is that Norinco owners buy a cheap DPMS front handguard cap and replace the stock Norinco one. This solves the Norinco drop-in handguard compatibility issue. You MIGHT need a gunsmith for this depending if you have th eright tools to properly remove the front sight block or not.

I don't recommend dremelling your magpul furniture to account for a dimensional issue on a $2 part. Just replace the $2 part and be donw with it. Then enjoy your rifle for what is it and stop worrying about what it is not.

If you want to use a free float HG, you need to remove the out of spec cap anyhow as well as the front sight block. This is not specific to the Norinco, any standard AR is identical, so buying American won't put you any further ahead.

People who can't sleet at nigth because their proven-relaible AR doesn't sport a pony or a Noveske cross are less about shooting than they are about mall-ninja'ing anyhow.
 
OP, you can't go wrong with an LMT. :D

I'd keep the norinco though. I plan on getting one eventually (probably one of the new shorty's) to use as a "beater AR". ;)
 
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